Delta Air Lines has been granted a slot by the US Department of Transportation to operate beyond-perimeter flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This development allows Delta to launch a new route connecting Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with DCA, beginning March 9th next year. This addition marks the completion of Delta's network connecting Washington National with all its US hubs.
Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein commented on the significance of this route, stating: "Seattle is a key market for our customers, a crucial hub for Delta, and a premier West Coast gateway. Delta commends the Department of Transportation for recognizing that additional service from DCA to Seattle will give consumers the much-needed competition and choice they deserve. We look forward to launching a new, premium DCA service in March."
The new service challenges Alaska Airlines' current monopoly on the route between Washington National and Seattle, where it operates two daily flights using Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s. According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, this move by Delta is expected to benefit passengers and businesses alike. As stated by Delta: "Community and business leaders played a vital role in supporting efforts to secure the new service, emphasizing the positive economic impact and customer benefits the route will bring."